Primate is a 2025 American natural horror film that blends survival thrills with classic creature-feature terror. Directed by Johannes Roberts, the film channels old-school horror energy through a tightly contained, high-tension premise. The movie stars Johnny Sequoyah, Troy Kotsur, and Jessica Alexander in key roles.
The story follows a college student who returns home to Hawaii, where her father has raised a chimpanzee as a family pet. After the animal becomes infected and violently unstable, a poolside gathering turns into a desperate fight for survival. The film is a standalone original story, not based on a book or franchise.
Primate premiered at Fantastic Fest in September 2025 and is scheduled for a wide theatrical release in January 2026 by Paramount Pictures.
Primate Age Rating
Primate is officially rated R by the MPAA for strong bloody violent content, gore, language, and some drug use. This rating reflects the film’s intense creature violence, graphic injury detail, and sustained atmosphere of threat. The movie places characters in prolonged danger, with frequent close-up attacks and visible bloodshed that may be disturbing for younger viewers. The overall tone is dark, aggressive, and relentless, aligning it firmly with adult-oriented horror rather than teen-friendly suspense.
Violence & Peril
Violence in Primate is strong and graphic throughout the film. The infected chimpanzee attacks humans in sudden, brutal bursts, including biting, mauling, and sustained physical assaults. Blood is frequently shown, with gory injury details and prolonged peril scenes where characters are hunted. The confined pool setting heightens tension, creating constant fear and panic that may be overwhelming for sensitive viewers.
Language
The film contains frequent strong language, including repeated uses of the F-word and other profanities. Characters often swear during moments of panic, fear, and injury. There are no known hate slurs, but the language level clearly exceeds what is appropriate for children or younger teens.
Mature Themes
Primate explores themes of animal rage, loss of control, and survival under extreme stress. Drug use appears briefly during a party setting, and alcohol consumption is visible. Smoking is minimal or absent, and there is no nudity, though some scenes contain mild sexual references typical of young-adult party environments. The emotional distress and graphic nature of the attacks are the primary maturity concerns.
Is Primate Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: No. The intense violence, gore, and nonstop threats make this film inappropriate for pre-teens.
Ages 13–15: No. Even mature teens may find the graphic attacks and sustained terror disturbing.
Ages 16–17: With Guidance. Older teens who are experienced with hard-R horror may watch with parental awareness, but the film remains intense.
Final Recommendation: Primate is best suited for adults 18 and older who enjoy graphic survival horror.
What Parents Can Do
- Prepare teens for graphic animal violence and sustained suspense before viewing.
- Discuss the difference between fictional horror and real animal behavior after the film.
- Talk about responsible portrayals of wildlife and why exotic animals are unsafe as pets.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Primate (2025)?
A: Primate is rated R for strong bloody violent content, gore, language, and some drug use.
Q: Is Primate appropriate for kids or teens?
A: No, the film is not suitable for kids and is only recommended for older teens with guidance.
Q: Does Primate have scary or violent scenes?
A: Yes, the movie features intense creature attacks, graphic injuries, and constant danger.
Q: Is there strong language in the film?
A: Yes, frequent strong profanity is used throughout the movie.
Q: Does Primate include sexual content or nudity?
A: There is no nudity, but mild sexual references appear in party scenes.
Q: Where can I watch Primate?
A: The film will release theatrically on January 9, 2026, with streaming details expected later.